Author Archive
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Flood risk deadline set for 31st July
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) says its members will continue to meet their commitments to offering flood insurance for an extra month after an agreement with the Government expires on 30th June. Flood insurance for existing customers will be renewed until 31st July but according to the ABI, the current agreement is unsustainable beyond that date as it distorts competition, there being no incentive for new insurers to offer flood cover. Around one in six homes ...
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Report on Scottish Islands renewables
The UK and Scottish Governments have published a report which considers the evidence base for developing renewables projects on the Scottish Islands. The study acknowledges that there are significant potential benefits to such schemes but highlights the considerable costs that would need to be overcome. Key conclusions are: Renewable generation, including onshore wind, wave and tidal, on the Scottish Islands could make a significant contribution to the UK’s 2020 renewables target.s The cost of deploying renewables is higher than ...
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Growth vouchers to give micro business boost
The Government is promising to helping thousands more new businesses get off the ground by expanding its Start-Up loan scheme and opening up further the £230 billion worth of public sector contracts to the smallest firms. The scheme helps with the development of business ideas by providing a typical loan of £4,500 with mentoring support. Since the autumn, it has made 3,768 loans worth around £16 million and according to enterprise adviser, Lord Young, many of ...
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CMM Rural heads for bootcamp
CMM managing director, Graham Allen, will be in attendance at the 2013 Enviro-Entrepreneur Bootcamp, a major event hosted by the Nottingham CleanTech Centre (NCTC), for anyone with a cleantech business idea. From the 15th to 17th May, entrepreneurs, start-ups and small companies, who are developing products or businesses in the low carbon and environmental goods and services sectors, can benefit from an intense three-day programme delivered by seasoned cleantech entrepreneurs, business experts and investors. Sessions include: Clarifying your ...
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Dairy Fund grant application deadline approaches
England's dairy farmers are reminded that they have until 17:00 on 3rd June 2013 to apply for funding for projects aimed at delivering "transformational" changes to their businesses. Part of the Rural Development Programme for England, the Fund is providing grants from £25,000 to around £1 million to encourage the establishment, development or expansion of co-operation structures and structures that will improve profitability. The main objectives are to strengthen connections with existing markets; enable dairy farmers to explore and ...
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SMEs benefit from guarantee scheme boost
Small firms that lack the collateral or credit history to secure a normal bank loan should be finding access to the Government's Enterprise Finance Guarantee (EFG) scheme easier. The scheme provides vital funding to SMEs by backing bank lending with a 75% government guarantee. Use of the EFG peaked when it was first launched in 2009 but after disappointing figures in 2012 changes have been made to make it easier to use. In addition, the Government named and ...
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CMM comment on short-term lending debate
CMM managing director, Graham Allen, recently attended a forum staged by the Association of Bridging Professionals (AOBP) which saw representative from six of the UK's most prominent short-term lenders lead a lively debate on the issues faced by the industry. Without doubt, the most pressing issue discussed was lender transparency and the question of policing or regulation of the sector. An executive director of the AOBP, Graham has followed up on the forum with an article in which ...
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CMM Rural supports landmine clearance
Whilst mercifully not a problem for UK farmers, CMM Rural actively supports landmine clearance for farmers worldwide, with managing director, Graham Allen, recently having attended the MAG (Mines Advisory Group) inaugural gala dinner. CMM has supported MAG for many years and Graham is a UK representative of the charity which works to tackle the destructive legacy of conflict and release land for food production, through the clearance of landmines. MAG's inaugural gala dinner took place on 18th April at ...
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Prince’s Countryside Fund launches emergency appeal
The Prince’s Countryside Fund has launched an urgent appeal to the public to donate funds to help farmers in financial crisis throughout the UK. The charity has recently seen a rise in demand for financial help from farmers, many of whom have suffered severe losses due to heavy snowfall. Around 50,000 farm animals died as a result of last month’s snow, leaving many farmers unable to afford to dispose of carcasses. The charity has already released its emergency fund of ...
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Renewable Energy Exchange launches networking events
The Feed-in Tariff and the Renewable Heat Incentive mean that those who invest in renewable technologies can claim payments for the electricity and heat they generate. According to the Renewable Energy Exchange (REX), the prospect of guaranteed long-term revenue streams and limited exposure to rising energy prices has already created huge interest. And now, with the upcoming Green Deal programme, there will be further financial incentives for businesses and homeowners to invest in both renewable technologies and ...
